MEDICINAL MARIJUANA GROWER GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE

A 50-year-old Quebecker who had a Health Canada permit to grow
medicinal cannabis to ease his pain has received a one-year suspended
jail sentence.

Yvan Ferland, who suffered back injuries in an airplane accident, was
convicted two weeks ago of growing marijuana for the purpose of
trafficking.

Mr. Ferland, who has no other criminal record, will serve his sentence
in the community northeast of Montreal and will be on two years'
probation. He will also have to pay a $300 fine.

Mr. Justice James Brunton cited the growth of cannabis distribution in
the Joliette region in rendering his decision and said Mr. Ferland had
abused the privileges granted him by the federal Health Department.